§ 7. Mr. Peter Walkerasked the Minister of Technology what proposals he has for extending public ownership in the computer, telecommunications, electronics or machine tool industries.
§ Mr. CousinsWe are studying the problems of these industries and we shall formulate whatever proposals seem best suited to increase their efficiency.
§ Mr. WalkerThe right hon. Gentleman has now been Minister for six months. Will he confirm that during that six months he has come across no section which he wishes to put into public ownership?
§ Mr. CousinsI have come across a number which I would like to bring into public ownership. That answers the question directed to me.
§ Mr. MarplesCan we have from the right hon. Gentleman those industries which he thinks should be brought under public ownership?
§ Mr. CousinsThe right hon. Gentleman will recall that when the computer statement was made it was made clear from this side of the House that we should not bring in any proposals for public 198 ownership other than by a direct approach to public ownership. We would not bring them in by subterfuge.